Sydney Whalen Reading, Writing, and SAT Tutoring

About this pro

I offer reading, writing, and test prep tutoring services to all ages.
After graduating with honors from Lesley University with an M.Ed. in English Education, I worked for three years as an English teacher. During this time, I taught English 8, English 10, English 12, AP Language & Composition, Creative Writing, and SAT Reading & Writing. I also taught after school and weekend SAT Prep sessions.
I am a licensed educator for English 8-12 in both Massachusetts and Texas. I also hold a supplementary license in special needs education in Texas. Additionally, I have experience working with both special needs students and English language learners.
I left teaching when my husband's job moved us to Colorado and we decided to have a baby. I've been working as a freelance writer and editor for over a year. However, I miss working with students and am looking to expand my services into tutoring.
I am passionate about writing and firm in my belief that a firm grounding in reading and writing will benefit any student no matter what they choose to do. English is about more than literature, it's about communication, which is the key to success in just about any field.
When I was a teacher, I took a practical and thorough approach to English education. Although I love writing for a living, I miss working with students on improving one of the most important skills they'll ever have and teaching them the power of clear and effective self-expression.

1 year in business

2 hires on Thumbtack

1 employee

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FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

For long term clients, I think it's always important to make sure that a student and tutor are a good fit. What's more, it's very important that the tutor knows where the student is at academically and what his or her main areas of need are. Therefore, I would want to do the following:
1. Meet the student (and parent) in a low pressure situation. Instead of diving right into the tutoring, we should get to know one another first.
2. Assess student skills either through a practice quiz or by looking at quizzes and essays from school.
3. Identify tutoring goals. What do we want to work on? Where do we want to be in a a week / month / etc? How will we know if we're successful?
These three steps will get us on the path to success.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

* B.A. in Philosophy from Boston University.
* M.Ed. in English Education from Lesley University.
* I am a licensed 8-12 English teacher in Massachusetts and Texas.
* I taught English as an extended sub and teacher of record for three years.
* I've worked as a freelance writer for about a year and a half.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

* What are my child's educational needs and academic goals?
* What do I want the tutor to cover?
* How can the tutor and I work together to help my child achieve these goals?
* How do I want to be informed about my child's progress?